VanderBeek roars to top five in World Modified Dirt Track Championship

Zack VanderBeek and the 33z Racing team took part in the 5th Annual World Modified Dirt Track Championship presented by Red Tail Tackle this past Thursday, Friday and Saturday, July 23-25, at the Deer Creek Speedway in Spring Valley, Minn. A field of 62 of the fastest and most talented dirt modified drivers on the planet were in attendance with everybody shooting for the $20,000 top prize.

On Thursday, VanderBeek laid down a good qualifying effort (third quick out of nine cars) but was unable to make up any ground in his hammer-down heat race. After missing a transfer to the "A" Main by one spot in the "B" Main, he was awarded a provisional. He started 32nd and wound up 21st at the end of Thursday's 30-lapper.

On Friday, a fourth-place finish in his heat put him back in another "B" Main where he finished second and earned the 19th starting spot in the "A" Main where he finished 13th.

On Saturday, he started seventh in the "B" Main and came home third to earn the 15th starting spot in the two-segment 80-lap championship finale. In the main event, 'The Z-Man' was a rocket, advancing nine positions in the first 30-lap segment to finish sixth. In the second 50-lap segment, he was able to move up another spot and finished fifth in the main event on the biggest stage of the year for the sport. He also walked away with $3,040 for his efforts.

Up next on the schedule is the kick-off to the Hunt for the USMTS Casey's Cup on Thursday, Aug. 6, at the 81 Speedway in Park City, Kan.